Now that Charles Sims is back after missing one game with a hip injury, Houston coach Tony Levine wants to use his star running back.

Levine said ideally the Cougars would like for Sims "to touch the ball around 25 times a game."

Sims had a career-high 32 touches - 21 rushes and 11 receptions - in the 56-49 loss to Louisiana Tech on Sept. 8.

"I'm ready to get going again," Sims said. "I hate watching football. I hate knowing I can't be on the field helping my team."

Levine said freshman Ryan Jackson and redshirt freshman Kenneth Farrow would see action out of the backfield in Saturday's game against Rice.

Redman will stay at center for UH

Even with Kevin Forsch back from a leg injury that sidelined him one game, UH coach Tony Levine plans to stick with Bryce Redman at center Saturday.

Either Forsch or Ty Cloud will start at left guard.

"Redman did a great job against UCLA, and he's going to start for us at center," Levine said.

Bailiff, Levine go way, way back

Rice coach David Bailiff and UH coach Tony Levine have a friendship that spans nearly two decades.

"I've known Tony for so long he had a full head of hair and I was skinny," Bailiff said Thursday at the Bayou Bucket kickoff luncheon. "That was a long time ago."

Levine was an assistant coach at Texas State (then Southwest Texas State) when Bailiff was defensive coordinator (1997-99).

"He's been one of the few mentors to me in this profession," Levine said. "I consider him not only a mentor but a close personal friend. I've known he and his family a long, long, long time."

Special talents will be on display

Two of the top special teams players in the nation will be on display in Saturday's game.

UH punter Richie Leone currently leads Football Bowl Subdivision with a 48.8-yard average. Rice kicker Chris Boswell is tied for the national lead with nine field goals, including a school record-tying 57-yarder against Louisiana Tech.

"You could make the argument they have the best kicker in the United States," UH coach Tony Levine said of Boswell.

At least 40,000 will be on hand

As of Thursday afternoon, about 40,000 tickets had been sold for Saturday's 2:30 p.m. game at Reliant Stadium, according to Heather Houston, director of Lone Star Sports & Entertainment.